Abstract: A support structure for supporting vehicles one above the other during transport or storage, the structure comprising a base frame having four corner posts extending generally vertically when in use to support a separate upper frame on which an upper vehicle can be supported in an elevated transport position, and one or more separate lower frames arranged to be positioned within the base frame when in use on which a lower vehicle can be supported. The upper frame is guided up the corner posts when the upper vehicle is raised to the elevated transport position. The base frame, upper and lower frames are transportable in a collapsed state when not in use by folding the corner posts down and collapsing the base frame, upper frame and lower frame so that they occupy less space with the upper, and lower and base frames in a nested configuration.

Abstract: A liftable carrying apparatus includes a carrying frame having at least two longitudinal beams extending relative to each other and connected with each other. The carrying frame has, a first support for the cargo, which first support can be driven on up to a maximum width transversely relative to the at least two longitudinal beams. A receiving location is provided for the lifting apparatus, and contact surfaces are provided for direct placement of the carrying apparatus on a terminal floor. A second support is arranged at or between arms of a first support device. A length of the arms is selected so that the first support in a first pivotal position of the arms is prolonged by the second in such a way that it can be driven on and that the second support is raised in a second pivotal position of the arms relative to the first support.

Abstract: A positioning system for controlling movement and position of a floor or platform within an enclosure. The enclosure may be that of a recreational vehicle and/or may be that of a room of a building, such as a garage or living quarter. The positioning system may include a motor and a plurality of cables configured to vertically slide the floor within the enclosure. The floor may be coupled to the enclosure within a plurality of channels that are connected to the enclosure at corners of the floor.

Abstract: An autonomous delivery device can make unattended deliveries of customer orders to predetermined locations. The device includes a plurality of compartments containing portions of the order or all of the order or a number of separately deliverable orders. The device includes a compartment opening such that on arrival at the predetermined location the contents of the or each compartment may be automatically dispensed.

Abstract: The present invention provides a removable frame system for transporting vehicles in a container. The frame system is be assembled in the container, the vehicles are loaded on the frame system, the container is shipped to the location, the vehicles are unloaded from the frame system, and the frame system is disassembled and returned to the manufacture or stored for later use.

Abstract: An insurance claim system that can display vehicle identification key information and vehicle option, package, engine, transmission, paint, production date information provided from multiple different sources. The system can perform a method that includes displaying at least one insurance claim with at least one vehicle description, a plurality of vehicle options, and a VIN field. A VIN is entered into the VIN field, which is decoded to determine vehicle information and vehicle option information. One or more vehicle options displayed by the client computer are selected with the vehicle option information, and the selected vehicle options are modified with supplemental vehicle options information provided by an OEM source. Modifying the vehicle options with the information provided by the OEM source improves the accuracy of the options information selected on the insurance claim page.

Abstract: A frame system for supporting an associated vehicle for transport within an existing transportable structure having longitudinally extending side structures. The frame system has a transverse supporting frame supported by two vertical posts located one at each end of the supporting frame. Each post has an attachment for securing the top and bottom of the post at a plurality of locations along the length of the associated side structure and the supporting frame is raiseable with or without a vehicle loaded thereon and once raised is fixable to the posts at a chosen location for transport within the transportable structure. Each end of the support frame has an end plate for sliding up and down an inwardly facing surface on the adjacent vertical post as it is raised and lowered. At least one of the end plates has a telescopic connection with the remainder of the support frame.

Abstract: A lateral extension (1), for road and rail vehicles, comprising a multitude of individual shafts (5) assembled so as to pivot freely, at each of their extremities, firstly, with regard to the interior extremity secured to the vehicle, on a longitudinal structure (11) that is fixed in relation to the load-carrying platform and, secondly, as regards the exterior extremity, on an edge and connecting rigid longitudinal member (10). The shafts bear, over a portion of their length, on an adjacent flat support surface (13) that is fixed in relation to the load-carrying platform, and are cantilevered towards the exterior over the remainder of their length. The extension can be moved to a deployed position, so that the supporting surface (14) provides a passageway, and, a retracted position of lesser width, and incorporates a railing. A changeover from one position to the other is accomplished by pivoting in a horizontal plane.

Abstract: One or more mobile vehicle display devices are provided herein. The mobile vehicle display device can include a trailer assembly and an outer housing. The trailer assembly can include a trailer frame, a turntable disposed on a portion of the trailer frame, a rotator adapted to rotate the turntable, and a wheel adapted to support the trailer assembly. Also, a method of using the mobile vehicle display device is provided herein.

Abstract: A logistics panel forms a side wall of a container (12) and has elongate metal recesses (16) formed in the surface and a logistics track (17) including a face portion (22), an elongate slot (23) in said face portion and a pair of elongate webs (24) each extending parallel to and between a respective said edge and the slot, the webs having a plurality of locating apertures, and a load carrier (18) located in said channel and extending out through the slot and having engagement pawls (26) selectively and positively locatable in said apertures.

Abstract: A hydraulic unit (1) mounted on a vehicle with an adjustable platform which is supported by two mechanically separate arms actuated by a separate hydraulic lifting device (5, 6). The hydraulic unit has the supply and return and preferably includes a balance valve (21) for controlling lowering of the platforms; a flow divider (22) enabling a division of the supply fluid into two flows having an identical flow rate, and each supplying one of the hydraulic lifting devices; and a resetting solenoid valve (23) that, when the operator controls the resetting of the hydraulic lifting devices, regardless of the operation direction and position thereof, and isolates one of the hydraulic devices (6) in order to immobilize the same while the other hydraulic lifting device (5 or 6) is adjusted.

Abstract: A storage container is provided, having a first container and a second container. Each of the first and second containers includes top and bottom front rails, first and second front corner posts, and first and second side panels. In each of the first and second containers, the top and the bottom front rails and the first and second front corner posts are disposed at a front end thereof to define an opening into the interior thereof. The front end of the first container and the front end of the second container face each other. The first and second side panels of the first container are spaced to define a first interior width therebetween. The first and second front corner posts of the first container are spaced to define a second interior width therebetween. The first and second interior widths of the first container are substantially equal to each other.

Abstract: In some embodiments, a decking system may include one or more of the following features: (a) a plurality of deck panels operably coupled to and supported by rails extending parallel to the deck panels, (b) a plurality of rail legs coupled to the rails at one end of the rail leg and extending the rails up off of a base coupled to the rail leg at a second end of the rail leg, (c) a plurality of cross rails positioned perpendicular to the deck panels and rails, the cross rails coupled to the rails and supporting angle bars welded to the deck panels, (d) a plurality of angled support members coupled to the base and to the rail legs, (e) a floor coupler attached to the rail leg for providing attachment to the base, (f) a decking coupler attached to the rail leg for providing attachment to the rail, and (g) a ladder slat coupled to the rail having slots to receive cross rails.

Abstract: A bi-level aluminum vehicle carrier railcar (10) includes an integrated aluminum roofing structure (30), aluminum side panels (18, 20), and aluminum decking structure (36, 50) attached to a steel underframe. The decking structure (36, 50) is supported on side stakes (18) of the side panels (18, 20) with the decking structure (36, 50) including overlapping extruded aluminum decking plates with (38, 52) anti-skid features. The anti-skid features include a media blasted finish to a portion of the surface of the decking and extruded ribs (64) in a portion of the decking. The roofing structure (30) includes overlapping, arched corrugated aluminum panels (30), wherein the roof panels (30) remain uncoated.

Abstract: A roof stowage system includes a support having a first end and a second end opposite the first end. The second end is pivotably coupled, at least indirectly, to the roof. A lift is coupled to the support and operable to selectively cause the support to pivot between a first position and a second position. The support is generally parallel with and adjacent to the roof when in the first position. The first end of the support is generally adjacent to a floor when in the second position.

Abstract: Vehicular cargo of a vehicle transporter is supported by elongate vehicle support members that are supported and moved by telescopic screw actuators that include a clutch to establish a minimum torque to rotate the screw that changes the length of the actuator.

Abstract: A safety rail assembly for mounting on a deck of a transport carrier which transports and supports thereon at least one automobile having at least one of passenger and driver-side doors. The portable safety rail assembly includes a handrail extending horizontally relative to the upper surface of the deck and support posts for supporting the handrail. Each support post may be removeably mounted to the deck to permit selective vertical displacement of the handrail relative to the upper surface of the deck for positioning the handrail at a desired height above the upper edge of a door of the transported vehicle. The desired height permits unobstructed opening and closing of the doors and safe entrance into and egress from the interior of the automobile.

Abstract: A vehicle trailering system comprises a towing vehicle comprising a hitch mounting mechanism, and a trailer connectable thereto. The trailer comprises a body defining an interior space sized to fit at least one vehicle and having first and second sets of spaced-apart carrying members attachable to opposite sides of the body, thereby defining respective first and second loading levels. The trailer further comprises a gate movable between the first and second levels along first and second support members. First and second connecting members are respectively attachable to the gate and are operable to movably carry the gate with respect to the first and second support members. The system further comprises an actuator system connected to a synchronization system, which are operable to synchronize the movement of the first and second connecting members along the respective longitudinal lengths of the first and second support members. Associated trailering methods are also provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to a load carrying vehicle of the type that has a body forming a load carrying compartment (16) above a load deck (17), and where the load carrying compartment (16) is of the side loading type. The vehicle has a load carrying structure located in its load carrying compartment, the load carrying structure including a platform support structure that is located along the length of the load carrying compartment (16) along the centre line of the load deck (17). The platform support structure includes support formations that provide for the support of load platforms (42) of the load carrying structure, on which loads can be supported, at different levels above the two side halves of the load deck. The mode of support permits easy manual adjustment of the level of individual load platforms above the load deck.

Abstract: A vehicle apparatus and a vehicle rack system comprising at least two vehicle rack apparatus are disclosed. The vehicle rack apparatus comprises one or more clamp assemblies adapted to couple to a panel of a trailer or a truck. One or more front members are coupled to a portion of each of the clamp assemblies. A platform assembly is coupled to a portion of each of the clamp assemblies. The platform assemblies include three spaced apart members. The vehicle apparatus further comprises one or more ramp assemblies coupled to a portion of the platform assemblies so that when a an end of the ramp assemblies contacts a portion of a surface of the truck bed or the trailer bed, the platform assemblies are elevated. Methods of using the vehicle apparatus and system are disclosed.

Abstract: A plurality of trailer arrangements, configurations and assemblies are provided in combination with a tractor to transport wheeled vehicles over the highway, in compliance with current state and federal regulatory requirements and with a view toward future modification of those requirements.

Abstract: A container (40) has a movable internal load support, such as a deck platform (15), with a demountable motorised drive (10), and a transfer drive, such as a threaded shaft (16), mounted within a deck chassis, with shaft runners or travellers (17, 27) connected to a cable suspension (18, 22), in turn running over transfer pulleys (19), mounted upon the platform and an external support, such as a container frame.

Abstract: A rail road car has a rail car body which includes a housing structure. The housing structure has a pair of sidewalls, a roof and at least one deck mounted to the sidewalls. An enclosed lading space is defined by the housing structure and there is at least one door for controlling access to the enclosed space. The rail road car is provided with short travel buff gear and a reduced slack, or slackless, coupler.

Abstract: This is a system in which several automobiles can be stowed in a container and secured in place.

Abstract: Vehicular cargo of a vehicle transporter is supported by elongate vehicle support members that are supported and moved by telescopic screw actuators that include a clutch to establish a minimum torque to rotate the screw that changes the length of the actuator.

Abstract: A transport system having a chassis; a body mounted on the chassis, where the body includes a cabin for transporting at least one passenger; a cabin for the driver; a tandem coupled to the chassis; a drop frame secured to the chassis where the drop frame is below and behind the tandem; and a fifth wheel secured to the drop frame. In various embodiments, the driver cabin and the passenger cabin together form a unitary compartment.

Abstract: A vehicle support, for a container comprises a frame suspended from one or more of adjustable span, to vary frame disposition, such as elevation and/or tilt, from an (un)loading to a transport mode; the frame is configured for converting or adapting a standard container, and a self-contained retractable version incorporated in a demountable container extension module is envisaged.

Abstract: A multilevel railway auto rack car for transporting automobiles is provided having at least one upper deck with end segments pivotable to accommodate the difference in height of corresponding upper decks of adjacent auto rack cars and facilitate loading of automobiles between cars. A pivoting assembly pivots the end segment between raised and lowered positions, as well as prevents the end segment from being inadvertently left in the lowered position.

Abstract: A bi-level aluminum vehicle carrier railcar (10) includes an integrated aluminum roofing structure (30), aluminum side panels (18, 20), and aluminum decking structure (36, 50) attached to a steel underframe. The decking structure (36, 50) is supported on side stakes (18) of the side panels (18, 20) with the decking structure (36, 50) including overlapping extruded aluminum decking plates with (38, 52) anti-skid features. The anti-skid features include a media blasted finish to a portion of the surface of the decking and extruded ribs (64) in a portion of the decking. The roofing structure (30) includes overlapping, arched corrugated aluminum panels (30), wherein the roof panels (30) remain uncoated.

Abstract: An articulated rail car has a plurality of rail car units joined together at articulation connections, and carried upon a number of rail car trucks that is equal to the number of rail car units plus one. At least one of the articulated connectors is located at an offset distance from the nearest rail car truck, such that the adjacent rail car has an overhang, or cantilever, between the center of the truck and the pivot center of the articulation. The truck is a two axle, four-wheel freely pivoting truck.

Abstract: A vehicle support, for a container (10), comprises a frame (21, 22), suspended from one or more elements (19, 25), of adjustabel span, to vary frame disposition, [such as elevation and/or tilt], from an (un)loading to a transport mode; the frame is configured for converting or adapting a standard container, and a self-contained retractable version incorporated in a demountable container extension module (230) is envisaged.

Abstract: A method for transporting vehicles including the steps of providing a module shaped and sized to receive vehicles therein and providing a trailer chassis coupled to a tractor. The tractor and the trailer chassis are located on or adjacent to an external surface. The method further includes the step of locating the module on a trailer chassis, and driving the vehicles from the external surface into the module.

Abstract: A module for receiving motorized vehicles for transportation. The module includes a driver-side side wall, a passenger-side side wall parallel to and laterally spaced from the driver-side side wall, and a bottom support structure extending between the side walls for supporting at least one vehicle located thereon. The module further includes a roof spaced from the bottom support structure such that the roof and the bottom support structure are arranged to closely receive a single layer of vehicles therebetween.

Abstract: A rail road car has a rail car body which includes a housing structure. The housing structure has a pair of sidewalls, a roof and at least one deck mounted to the sidewalls. An enclosed lading space is defined by the housing structure and there is at least one door for controlling access to the enclosed space. The rail road car is provided with short travel buff gear and a reduced slack, or slackless, coupler.

Abstract: The invention concerns a flank part (1) for an automobile transporter consisting in a finished structural single-piece part, ready to be mounted by being assembled to a frame base or another component to form a complete automobile transporter body linked to other elements in a limited number of locations. The side part (1) incorporates all the elevating posts (2) and (3) each with its elevating device (2)0 moving along a guiding profiled section (17). The upright or sloping elements of the framework of the flank part form a visual cover viewed from the front for each of the lifting assembly (20) and the actuating means thereof (21). The invention is of interest to all manufacturers of automobile transporters.

Abstract: A mechanism to assist in raising and lowering a hinged deck end section wherein a lifting force is applied to the deck end section by a counterweight mechanism. In the preferred embodiment, the counterweight mechanism operates in conjunction with a conventional, proven spring assist mechanism of the type that has been used in the past on trilevel railway cars. The counterweight mechanism preferably includes a counterweight that is slidable along a vertical track in a location that is readily accessible for visual inspection and maintenance. Nonmetallic wear pads are preferably employed in conjunction with a dry film lubricant to control friction between the counterweight and the track. The mechanism preferably provides a mechanical advantage so that the lifting force applied by the counterweight mechanism exceeds the weight of the counterweight. A roller chain, steel cable, or the like is preferably employed to connect the weight to the deck end section.

Abstract: A plurality of trailer arrangements, configurations and assemblies are provided in combination with a tractor to transport wheeled vehicles over the highway, in compliance with current state and federal regulatory requirements and with a view toward future modification of those requirements.

Abstract: A collapsible assembly for loading and transporting vehicles in a cargo container having a roof, a floor, two elongate side walls, and front and rear walls, includes two pairs of spaced vertical posts, one pair being at the front end of the frame and another pair being at the rear end. Front and rear horizontally mounted crossbars support two ramps for carrying a vehicle when the assembly is in its open position. Each crossbar has two members of equal length rotatably and slideably attached to the posts and connected together by a hinge that allows each crossbar to be folded in half interiorly of the frame thus pulling the posts together in a collapsed closed position for storage purposes.

Abstract: A multilevel railway auto rack car for transporting automobiles is provided having at least one.upper deck with end segments pivotable to accommodate the difference in height of corresponding upper decks of adjacent auto rack cars and facilitate loading of automobiles between cars. A pivoting assembly pivots the end segment between raised and lowered positions, as well as prevents the end segment from being inadvertently left in the lowered position.

Abstract: An auto rack rail road car has a main deck and at least one upper deck for carrying automobiles. The auto rack rail road car is provided with short travel buff gear and a reduced slack, or slackless, coupler. Bridge plates are provided to span the space between adjacent coupled rail road cars. The bridge plates are able to remain in place during train motion. The bridge plates can be swung to a stowed position.

Abstract: A module for receiving motorized vehicles for transportation. The module includes a driver-side side wall, a passenger-side side wall parallel to and laterally spaced from the driver-side side Wall, and a bottom support structure extending between the side walls for supporting at least one vehicle located thereon. The module further includes a roof spaced from the bottom support structure such that the roof and the bottom support structure are arranged to closely receive a single layer of vehicles therebetween.

Abstract: The multipurpose freight vehicle according to the present invention includes a lower deck capable of loading vehicles as freight thereonto, plural support posts standing up in an opposed state on both side edge portions of the lower deck, and an upper deck adapted to be lifted and lowered along the support posts. The support posts are supported so that they can be turned freely with respect to the lower deck in the direction of a vehicle width or in the longitudinal direction of the lower deck. The support posts are formed so that, when vehicles are not loaded onto the freight vehicle, the support posts can be housed in the lower deck by first lowering the upper deck, and then bringing down the support posts in the direction of a vehicle width or in the longitudinal direction of the lower deck. This enables when the freight vehicle is not loaded with freight the upper deck to be stored on the lower deck, and the support posts to be housed in an upper portion of or along side portions of the lower deck.

Abstract: A two level trailer is shown in which the upper deck may be conveniently tilted down to load or unload cargo. An upper deck is supported on four posts, one mounted at each corner of the lower deck. The front posts are fixed in place but the rear posts are pivotally mounted to the lower deck so as to have forward or rearward freedom of movement. The upper deck is pivotally mounted to the top ends of the front posts. Sleeves mounted on a cross member at the rear edge of the upper deck slide up and down the rear posts as the deck is raised or lowered. The cross member has some rotational freedom of movement relative to the upper deck to prevent binding with the rear posts when the upper deck is moved up or down.

Abstract: A two level trailer is shown in which the upper deck may be conveniently tilted down to load or unload cargo. An upper deck is supported on four posts, one mounted at each corner of the lower deck. The front posts are fixed in place but the rear posts are pivotally mounted to the lower deck so as to have forward or rearward freedom of movement. The upper deck is pivotally mounted to the top ends of the front posts. Sleeves mounted on a cross member at the rear edge of the upper deck slide up and down the rear posts as the deck is raised or lowered. The cross member has some rotational freedom of movement relative to the upper deck to prevent binding with the rear posts when the upper deck is moved up or down.

Abstract: A loading and unloading device for transporting vehicles with the use of a truck which is movably and releasably secured to the bed of the truck. The device has a movable vehicle receiving floor with forward and rearward legs pivotally secured to the bed so that the receiving floor can be displaced forwardly and upwardly to lift and carry a vehicle at a height sufficient to permit the placement of another vehicle on the truck bed and beneath the floor. A power cylinder, preferably one or more hydraulic cylinders, is used to selectively raise the receiving floor and carried vehicle upwardly and forwardly of the bed so that the weight of the car is more evenly distributed over the truck. The elevated vehicle is positioned more near the front wheels and axle of the truck to enable better truck handling and control. The configuration of the receiving floor, the truck bed and the pivotally secured legs always forms a parallelogram so that the vehicle being raised is substantially level at all times.

Abstract: A vehicle transporter having a vehicular frame with at least one vehicle support member movable by a lifting motor along a structural member between different elevations. At least one locking member interacts between the vehicle support member and the structural member, the locking member having a locked position preventing movement of the vehicle support member along the structural member, and an unlocked position permitting such movement. A resiliently-yieldable biasing device is selectively operable by a controller to urge the locking member resiliently at least toward the unlocked position, and preferably alternatively toward the locked position as well.

Abstract: The support and positioning device is installed at the lower rear portion of a truck (2) or a trailer (3) of an articulated car carrier. It consists of a mechanical base and a support platform (10), the latter formed of an end support (9) and two moving surfaces (17) and (18). Moving surfaces (17) and (18) can move in translation and angularly either simultaneously or in succession. This invention is of interest to designers and manufacturers of car carriers.

Abstract: A vehicle transporter having a vehicular frame with at least one vehicle support member movable by a lifting motor along a structural member between different elevations. At least one locking member interacts between the vehicle support member and the structural member, the locking member having a locked position preventing movement of the vehicle support member along the structural member, and an unlocked position permitting such movement. A resiliently-yieldable biasing device is selectively operable by a controller to urge the locking member resiliently at least toward the unlocked position, and preferably alternatively toward the locked position as well.

Abstract: A module for receiving motorized vehicles for transportation. The module includes a driver-side side wall, a passenger-side side wall parallel to and laterally spaced from the driver-side side wall, and a bottom support structure extending between the side walls for supporting at least one vehicle located thereon. The module further includes a roof spaced from the bottom support structure such that the roof and the bottom support structure are arranged to closely receive a single layer of vehicles therebetween.

Abstract: A plurality of trailer arrangements, configurations and assemblies are provided in combination with a tractor to transport wheeled vehicles over the highway, in compliance with current state and federal regulatory requirements and with a view toward future modification of those requirements.